Rochester Police Benevolent Association ready to start fundraising

ROCHESTER — The newly revived police benevolent association plans to begin a fundraising effort leading up to a game against former professional hockey players next year.

The Rochester Police Benevolent Association (RPBA), which was originally formed in 1953 and dissolved in 2001, was reestablished this year to continue its two-fold mission to support current and former members of the city’s police department and the community as a whole, according to Detective Steven Gahan, who serves as president.

Due to the resurgence of interest, there are 26 current and former officers and employees who are members in the association, according to Gahan.

“We are still in the infancy of restarting the organization, so help and support have been limited,” Gahan said, adding the association hopes to raise $5,000 in the fundraiser, which is set to begin Friday and run through mid-March.

Residents and businesses may receive a call looking for donations. To assist with fundraising efforts, the RPBA contracted Eastern Advertising, according to a release.

Gahan said the association plans to use the funds to provide gifts for retiring officers, and flowers and cards for births or deaths.

“Our hope is to never need to use funds for supporting sick or injured officers or their families, however, we all know this to be a potential reality,” Gahan said.

Gahan stressed that the fundraiser is legitimate, but any residents and business owners who are concerned about potential scams are encouraged to contact Gahan, Vice President Michael Mundy or Treasurer Nicole Rodler at the Rochester Police Department at 330-7128.

While details are still being finalized, Gahan said the community can celebrate by watching Rochester Police take on members of the Black and Gold Legends, which is made up of former Boston Bruins and other professional hockey teams.

“One of the RPBA’s missions is also to support local organizations,” Gahan said. “During the hockey game, we anticipate bringing in local hockey clubs so they can also benefit from this event.”

Additionally — as part of an auction at the game — residents will be have a chance to skate, win other autographed items and take part in the fun, according to the release.

Gahan said more information will be publicized about the game, which is scheduled for March 1.